Featherweight champion and rising Mexican superstar Abner Mares made his return to the gym on Tuesday in preparation for the first defense of his featherweight title which he won from his friend and Mexican counterpart Daniel Ponce de Leon earlier this month. Mares’ preparation has begun with some light training.

Mares could be defending against Jayson Velez of Puerto Rico or against Robinson Castellanos of Mexico. Mares feels he owes his Mexican fans a fight in Mexico which could take place either in Mexico City (D.F.) or in his hometown of Guadalajara. The only problem there is getting Showtime to head to Mexico for the event.